Linha Turismo
The "Eye"
Ucranian Memorial
Indian Cuisine in CuritibaEnjoy the nice quality of life but learn Portugese
I absolutely loved my trip to Curitiba, and made a few lifetime friends while there. It seems like a nice place to live, and there are many interesting places to see if you're visiting.
I definitely would recommend taking the Linha Turismo bus, and get off and see some of the parks that pay tribute to the various immigrant populations (Ukranian, German, Italian, Polish, Arab, Japanese, etc.) Also, you'll notice that metal tube and glass structures are very characteristic of modern-day Curitiba landmarks, from the lovely Opera house to the bus stop tube stations.
If you have time, you will find your own special places in Curitiba, like I did.
Enjoy! I will always remember the nice friends I made. Also, how nice and helpful people were, even though I spoke no Portugese when I first arrived.
My fondest memories are actually those moments when, at the time they were happening, were incredibly frustrating, which were instances where I was challenged by learning to communicate with my Lonely Planet phrasebook and Curitibanos who were trying their best to help me, but did not speak English. going to the corner lavanderia, ordering food, trying to buy bus tickets, trying to purchase a book at the bookstore--every daily act was a true mental and linguistic challenge for monolingual me--most Curitibanos do not speak English (nor should they be expected to)--so it was truly up to me to learn the language in order to get along. The ultimate frustration-turned-into-fond-memory was one evening when I decided to see a modern interpretation of Mozart-Salieri opera music at the Teatro Guaira. Besides being a beautiful venue (and the walk down Rua das Flores in early evening to get there was equally beautiful), the show was terrific. However, it seemed quite comical that I was sitting in this theatre, listening to songs in Italian/German, with words being projected on a screen in Portugese...I was truly "Lost in Translation!"
I ended up learning a few phrases; I hope during my next visit, I will have mastered at least enough to get around without looking so lost all the time!
